Often times it seems that people think exercising is just about being buff or having a six-pack. Truth is, exercise is a lot more powerful than that. The amount of chemical reactions that happen not only in the body, but in the brain is staggering.
1.) Exercise appears to affect brain chemistry in much the same way as antidepressants
2.) Aerobic exercise slows the the loss of cerebral cortex (the part of the brain that process information) So exercise keeps you smarter longer!
3.) Anaerobic exercise (think weight lifting, resistance exercise) stimulates the creation of new brain cells in the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
4.) Stressful events actually destroy newly developed nerve cells in the hippocampus, making it harder to retain new lessons or memories. Simply, exercise combats the effects of stress.
5.) Exercise actually increases serotonin levels. And by the way, low Serotonin levels have been associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and general fatigue.
The long and short of it is, exercise is more about total health and not just how your body looks. Sure it's an added benefit to look good and have the body you've always wanted, but if you need more motivation, consider the huge impact it has on how your brain functions.
So when you're looking for that little extra motivation to get up and do some exercise, remember it's not just for your body, it'll actually keep you smarter longer, in a better mood so you can keep the friends you have, and will help you combat all that stress you just absorbed from the day.
That should get you up and moving.